Head, Secretariat Support Unit

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and was established following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where world leaders agreed on a comprehensive strategy for sustainable development. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), which is administered by UNEP, is located in Montreal, Canada. UNEP operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental sustainability and advocacy.

Job Overview:
The position of Head, Secretariat Support Unit within the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity involves providing substantive and analytical support to the Executive Secretary. The incumbent will be responsible for advising on management and implementation of policies, maintaining effective cooperation with staff, and serving as a liaison on specific topics. The role includes preparing various reports and documents, supporting high-level interactions with external partners, and organizing meetings and conferences related to CBD matters. The incumbent will also manage the Office of the Executive Secretary, overseeing human and non-human resources, ensuring timely execution of work programs, and facilitating communication among staff. This position requires a proactive approach to developing strategies for information flow and managing the logistical and administrative aspects of major CBD meetings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head, Secretariat Support Unit include: providing specialized advice to the Executive Secretary on management and implementation of policies; maintaining close contact with management and staff; serving as a focal point on specific topics; preparing various written reports and communications; supporting interactions with high-level external partners; organizing and participating in meetings and conferences; overseeing logistical preparations for CBD meetings; managing the Secretariat Support Unit; coordinating the Executive Secretary’s office activities; monitoring human resources directives; carrying out administrative tasks; ensuring timely follow-up on directives; administering workload; liaising with other divisions; managing and developing staff; and conducting research on new technologies for scheduling and follow-up systems. Additionally, the incumbent will collect and analyze data to provide insights for decision-making and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in administration, management executive support, or coordination functions within an international organization or multilateral environmental agreement secretariat. Candidates must have experience in providing substantive and strategic advisory support to senior-level officials, including preparation of policy briefs and analytical reports. Experience in coordinating intergovernmental processes and liaising with government representatives and external stakeholders is also required. Familiarity with managing workflow systems and overseeing human resources processes within the UN or similar organizations is desirable. Additionally, experience in data analytics or related areas is a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in environmental, social or political sciences, business administration, public administration, environmental management, information systems, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, indicating a strong foundation in analytical skills relevant to the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience, with a focus on progressively responsible roles in administration and management within international organizations. Candidates should have a proven track record in providing high-level support to senior officials, managing complex workflows, and coordinating intergovernmental processes. Experience in data analytics or related fields is also beneficial, particularly for roles that involve data-driven decision-making and reporting.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate their language skills according to the UN Language Framework, ensuring they meet the necessary levels for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English, with French being an additional asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The appointment is a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity, and renewal is contingent upon these factors. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is designed to ensure the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.